Vaccination can prevent the main infectious diseases affecting dogs in Western Australia -  Distemper , Hepatitis, Parvo and Kennel Cough (now more correctly known as Canine Cough) .  It is important to realize that although Parvo has received much publicity, Distemper and Hepatitis cause serious illness and death in dogs and should not be neglected.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious disease of dogs.  It is caused by a virus which is easily spread by means similar to that of a cold in people.  Although it is seen more often in younger animals, pets of any age may contract the disease, especially those under stress or those who have been sheltered all their lives, even those vaccinated earlier in life.  Signs range from conjunctivitis and nasal discharge to convulsive seizures and spinal cord damage.  Unfortunately many dogs die during the acute disease.  The few that recover may be left with chorea (uncontrolled muscle twitching of a part of the body).

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a serious, contagious viral disease of dogs.  The virus is shed in all bodily excretions of affected dogs and in the urine of recovered dogs.  Nearly all dogs are exposed to the virus at some time during their life but fortunately only a few become ill.  Signs of infectious hepatitis include high fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, a tendency to bleed and weakness.  Corneal opacity (a cloudy looking eye) which is often known as "blue-eye" often follows infection.  Death may occur suddenly especially in puppies.

Canine Parvovirus

Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs. This disease is spread by contact with an infected dog's faeces.  The virus survives for long periods of time in the environment - often up to 12 months after the faeces have been shed -therefore parvo is quickly transferred on the hair and feet of  infected dogs and by contaminated  shoes and other objects.  Most dogs will be exposed to the virus during their life but fortunately not all become ill.  However, for a short period of time such apparently healthy dogs may be source of parvo for others.  Signs of parvo infection are severe vomiting and diarrhoea which may become bloody.  Young dogs are more often severely affected, but deaths can occur in dogs of all ages.  Parvo can also cause heart problems in puppies less than 3 months old - though this is less common now as most pregnant female dogs tend to be vaccinated.

Canine Cough (Kennel Cough)

This is a highly contagious disease caused by a complex of viruses and bacteria. Symptoms include a harsh hacking cough that often sounds like gagging which may persist for up to 2 weeks.   The disease is spread by close contact with affected dogs often at boarding kennels, obedience training and dog shows. However, similar to human respiratory diseases, wherever an affected patient goes there is a risk of contracting the disease - even in the park.   The vaccination against Canine Cough  provides protection against one of the viruses called Parainfluenza and one of the bacteria called Bordetella.

Suggested vaccination schedule for pups

6-8 weeks	Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (C3 or DHP)
12 weeks	Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Bordetella(C5)
16 weeks	Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Bordetella  (C3)
Annual Vaccination	Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Bordetella (C5)

*** Any dog which may go into boarding kennels at any stage is required to have the full C5 vaccination ***